NATIONAL ECONOMIST (SB 4)

NATIONAL ECONOMIST (SB 4) 

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the EIF Project Coordinator, the National Economist, as part of the Planning, Strategy and Policy, advises MTICM Senior Management on macroeconomic policies and trends and relevant linkages to trade and Aid for Trade (AfT)programmes. The National Economist carries out operational research and provides analysis for formulation of strategies and briefings to Senior Management. The Economist works with Ministry’s Planning Unit and other Government counterparts to identify alternative macroeconomic policy options and to enhance the policy impact of trade related and AfT projects and programmes. The National Economist advocates for and represents EIF/MTICM in his/her area of expertise as requested by his/her supervisor.
The National Economist may supervise and lead a team of experts, international and national consultants and project staff. The National Economist maintains a network with colleagues from ES, TFM-UNOPS, UNDP, UN Agencies, Government officials, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society.

Summary of Key Functions:
a. Provides strategic and policy analysis advice and capacity building to MTICM management and the EIF programme section on economic and development issues 
b. Oversee the development of the National Trade Policy and Export Strategy lead by the Department of Trade and Planning Unit.
c. Oversee Development of project proposals for funding by the EIF and other donors 
d. Facilitates creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization
e. Advocacy and promotion of awareness of MTICM mandate and mission- with relevance to AfT and EIF Programme

1. Provides strategic and policy analysis advice to MTICM management and the EIF programme section on economic and development issues as part of a team-driven process towards upstream-orientation of MTICM support projects and programmes focusing on:
Continuous analysis of the country’s development assets and opportunities as well as constraints to sustainable broad-based growth and poverty reduction using both qualitative and quantitative information
Compilation, analysis and interpretation of economic and statistical data, thorough research on the economic and development issues in the country and preparation of meaningful analysis and relevant reports.
Provision of top quality economic analysis and substantive input to programming documents, such as NSDP, DTISU, MTP, project documents, annual work plans and other strategic documents. 
Carry out research activities that enhance the quality of EIF/MTICM’s programming in the focus areas of Pro-poor developmental policies,
Coordinate formulation of research proposals and their implementation by outside consultants.
Coordinate the creation and updating of socio-economic data bases.
Advice on possible areas for EIF support and adjustment of on-going programmes to ensure that EIFprogrammes are in line with national policies and priorities.
Produces periodic socio-economic briefs that cover EIF’s focus areas and also provide analysis of anticipated or likely political, economic and social changes over the short- to medium-term
Contributes to production and launch of economic reports, including National Human Development Reports and the Millennium Development Goals Report.
Contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to development/economic issues, in particular on AfT and trade facilitation
Representation of EIF/MTICM in different working groups, including National Development Plans, Sectoral Strategies, MDGs, etc

2. facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
Assist in workshop planning and organization of strategic paper presentations and analysis
Preparation of training plans and organization in the implementation of the Capacity Assessment,
Development of trade mainstreaming programme
Workshop on review of the implementation of the country’s trade mainstreaming agenda
Ensure that Trade related priority programmes are fully entailed in the National policy guiding documents
Review and update the inclusion of Trade Related Priority programmes in the National Guiding Documents
Training and capacity building support for EIF staff and Government officials, public institutions on economic issues.

3. Facilitates creation of strategic partnerships and support to resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

Assist Management in the preparations for the; 
Presentation of DTISU, and MTP policy priority programmes to the DPCF bi-monthly meeting
Presentation of DTISU and MTP policy priority actions to the donor group forum with MTICM-Private sector
Quarterly Break-fast meetings on Trade Development update
Resuscitating the Government- Development Partners technical working group in the Ministries of Finance and Development Planning on Private Sector Development
Development of partnerships with the bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, UN Agencies, government institutions, private sector, civil society areas based on strategic goals of EIF/MTICM, country needs and donors’ priorities. 
Analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation. 
Production of periodic updates and briefs on country development situation to be used by stakeholders.
Undertaking of selected studies/research on emerging development concerns that feed into government/development partners processes.
Assist Planning Unit and the M&E Office in the preparation of the annual matrix of donor projects and report against the Medium-term Programme (MTP)

4. Advocacy and promotion of awareness of MTICM mandate and mission focusing on achievement of the following results:

Research on new sources of AFT funding to support MTP and DTISU action programmes
Review the regulatory framework for PPP Lesotho as well as the Procurement Manual with participation of Development Partners
Regional and International exchange programmes with other LDCs to develop joint initiatives
Development of new communication tools with support from EIF ES Communication Office.

Public and policy advocacy for the NSDP, DTISU, MTP’s, pro-poor, equitable and sustainable economic growth by participating in relevant forums, conferences and trainings. 
Support to monitoring progress and formulation of strategies towards the achievement of the DTISU, MTP, Tier 1&2 Projects implementation.
Management of events and publications on economic issues.
CORE COMPETENCIES

Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents
Building support and political acumen
Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation 
Promoting effective teams
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.
Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies Required

Masters Degree in Economics or a related area with project implementation background plus at least two (2) years of relevant experience. At least (5) five years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a post-graduate qualification. Working with donor and government funded projects and project systems will be an asset and also an added advantage.
DURATION.

All the positions advertised are existent for the 2 years period of the project but all the incumbents are subject to (1) year contract which will highly considered for extension based on good and satisfactory performance.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS

Interested applicants should send an application letter, a detailed CV, 2 letters of reference from their referees and certified copies of educational qualifications and transcripts clearly marked on the face the position applied for should be addressed to:

The EIF Project Coordinator
National Implementation Unit
Ministry of Trade and Industry Cooperatives and Marketing
Kingsway Rd, Phase 2 LNDC Building Level 2, 
P O Box 747, Maseru 100. Lesotho

On or before Friday 08-08-2014 at 1630 hours. Applicants are kindly requested to indicate their possible earliest availability dates in their letters of applications. Late applications are strictly discouraged.